Back acne, or bacne to Instagram and the internet, is a skin problem that many women suffer from. But why? Your back is more prone to breakouts than your face, as Andrea Craig, National Educator for Murad Skincare explains, "The skin on your back has larger pores than facial pores, which means they are far more likely to become clogged."

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What causes back acne?

Oil production, sweat and a build-up of dead skin cells and bacteria = the perfect environment for breakouts to form.

Your Dirty Gym Gear Could be Causing Back Acne

Sweat soaked gym gear and backpacks are two of the biggest culprits for bacne. "When you sweat, your body detoxifies itself, which helps cleanse your pores, however, if the toxins remain on your skin they can clog your pores and lead to breakouts", says Andrea.

We know it's sometimes far easier to shower at home but leaving sweaty kit on for too long can cause spots to form. Make sure you limit the time to as little as poss and then wash throughly when you do.

Your conditioner and shampoo could be adding to your bacne

When you wash your hair the products you use are rinsed over your back, so it makes sense that your shampoo and conditioner can have an effect on your skin.

Avoid haircare that contains comodegenic ingredients like silicon and sulfates, which are more likely to clog your pores and make sure that conditioner is always rinsed away properly.

Self-help to get rid of back acne

Use a pH Balanced Body Wash to Prevent Bacne

When you alter the balance of your acidic and alkaline levels, your skin is the one to suffer. This can manifest in dryness, irritation and inflammation.

Hard water has a high mineral composition containing heavy metals like iron, zinc, nickel and copper that can lead to irritation, inflammation, so it’s important to use a body wash that helps maintain your body’s pH balance.

Or, try a body wash that contains salicylic acid

Salicylic Acid is the one to look for when searching for spot fighting treatments. Zit zapping Salicylic helps break down the debris that enables spots to form and gives your skin a deep clean. It also works as an inflammatory so calms redness and reduces the size of your blemish. Can't find a body wash? Face cleansers work just fine.

Try Tea Tree as a back acne treatment

Just like the skin on your face, your back will benefit from antibacterial ingredients like Tea Tree and Witch Hazel. One of the main reasons that spots form is when dirt and bacteria sit on the skin, using products that contain an anti-bacterial element will help to keep the skin clean and prevent those pimples.

Review what you're eating

High glycemic foods, like sugar and white bread, break down quickly in the body and can trigger inflammation and fluctuations in your hormones, which can lead to acne breakouts, so try to avoid these foods.

Back Acne Scars: How to Deal

Uneven, pitted and reddish marks on the skin are all types of common acne scars - everyone's skin is different and so too are the marks left behind long after the pimple itself has gone away. This means that sadly, there is no one easy fix for dealing with acne scars on your back. But there are plenty of tried and tested solutions.

Firstly, to reduce the chance of acne scarring you shouldn't pick spots. Yes, it's tempting but if you do pick your pimples you increase the chance of infection and moving the oil, bacteria and inflammation (what's in a spot) into surrounding skin.

Next, look out for vitamin C skincare as this clever ingredient can help counter inflammation. Alternatively, salicylic acid and glycolic acid are all notable ingredients for reducing acne scarring according to Claire Chang, M.D. of Union Square Laser Dermatology.

If you want extra help in sorting your scars then your point of call should be a dermatologist. They can help advise you on lasers and chemical peels. Not sure how to find a derm? Start with the NHS as you can be referred for free.

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